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Left hand down a bit…..

In my collection of research, I have only one award of a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) documented, and it is a rather interesting one. For those who don’t know, “Trawlers” were boats used primarily for mine clearance and occasional defensive sorties they were of mainly wooden construction and were not even close to equalling Nazi Germany’s famous “E-boats”, yet the courage and determination of the crews made them a formidable foe.

Now John’s DSC was never publicly gazetted with a citation, just an “awarded to…”, and sadly over time it has been lost in the dark hole of the archives. His award was gazetted on 11th of July 1940, I had however found a report signed by John, and it probably went some way towards his award:

“(PRO Ref ADM 267 – 100)

31st January 1940

I have the honour to submit the following report on an engagement which took place between HM Trawler Pelton and a JU88 K at 1655 on 10th January 1940. Whilst at anchor off Scroby Elbow Buoy, the anchor was found to be dragging at 1645 it was weighed preparatory to taking up a new berth. Whilst taking up this position an enemy aircraft was sighted on the port beam steering east.

Ships company immediately went to action stations and opened fire with the 12 pounder and Lewis gun as the aircraft turned to attack. Four bombing and machine gun attacks were carried out, salvos consisting of 3 bombs, except the last in which six were dropped. No casualties were sustained. The attacks were made from starboard to port at a height of two to three hundred feet.. The Lewis gun jammed after about eight bursts and four rounds were fired from the 12 pounder, no hits were observed.

All bombs dropped except two were small and did no damage when burst alongside. During the third and fourth salvos, however, two heavy bombs were dropped apparently with delayed action fuses. One burst close to the starboard beam and the other very close on the port quarter. These two bombs caused all the damage. During the last two the dynamo was put out of action and the first engineman reported the ship making water fast, full of steam and having lost the vacuum he must stop the main engines. I requested the services of a lifeboat and tug by signal. Our own lifeboat was carried away by the enemy action. Ship was anchored off Yarmouth harbour, the crew having been taken off as a precaution.”

Skipper Sutherland was presented with his DSC, personally by the King, however his opportunity to wear it was cut short, as on Monday the 23rd of December 1940, HMT Pelton was sunk, with 20 hands, Skipper Sutherland being one of them, and he was killed age 27, leaving a wife; Alexandria.

These gallant men between the ages of 20-40 who, on the whole, in peacetime were merchant mariners, in their countries hour of need defended her shores and her shipping, and gave their all, in defence of this nation. Thank you.